How do populist actors advance their agenda in international politics, and what is their approach to international organisations? International Relations and Political Science scholars typically regard populist leaders, governments and parties as disruptive forces undermining the stability of the international order and the institutions that uphold it. However, do populist actors share the same attitudes to, perceptions of and strategies towards international organisations? Do they change their approach according to the regional and thematic focus of international organisations? What are the implications of the rising populist politics for international organisations, in particular, and international order, in general?
In this thematic section, we invite prospective authors to analyse the role of populists in international organisations in contemporary (21st-century) politics and encourage them to delve into the nuanced strategies and attitudes of populist political actors across the globe. We welcome single case studies or comparative case studies exploring any kind of populist actor and international organisation (institution). For example, do European populists hinder negotiations at the EU level in one specific way, or do they change their strategies (e.g. as per the topic of negotiation)? Is it possible to identify changes in Viktor Orban’s populist approach to and at the EU institutions? Does Narendra Modi’s government follow the same populist approach towards ‘Western’ and ‘non-Western’ international organisations? Can Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency be characterised as populist, and how is it reflected in Brazil’s position at the UN? Can left-wing populist parties (Syriza, Podemos) be compared to right-wing (conservative) populists in their approach to international institutions?
This thematic section builds on and aims to contribute to the quickly burgeoning study of populism in international politics (Destradi & Plagemann 2019; Löfflmann 2022; Wajner, Destradi & Zürn 2024). In particular, we encourage the potential authors to consider, build upon or critically engage with the main types of institutional (dis-)engagement as discussed by Pacciardi, Spandler and Söderbaum (2024).
Destradi, S. & Plagemann, J. (2019): Populism and International Relations: (Un)Predictability, Personalisation, and the Reinforcement of Existing Trends in World Politics. Review of International Studies, 45(5), 711–730.
Löfflmann, G. (2022): Introduction to Special Issue: The Study of Populism in International Relations. The British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 24(3), 403–415.
Pacciardi, A., Spandler, K. & Söderbaum, F. (2024): Beyond Exit: How Populist Governments Disengage from International Institutions. International Affairs, 100(5), 2025–2045.
Wajner, D. F., Destradi, S. & Zürn, M. (2024): The Effects of Global Populism: Assessing the Populist Impact on International Affairs. International Affairs, 100(5), 1819–1833.
* * *
Thematic section information
The thematic sections of CEJISS aim to facilitate a forum for authors to publish timely academic reflections on selected topics. The length of thematic section contributions is 4,000-8,000 words (including abstract, references, footnotes).
- Standard research articles whose ambitions, research goal and framework are adjusted to the length of thematic section contributions (4,000-8,000 words). Papers with a strong narrative are particularly encouraged.
- Sophisticated academic essays (op-eds) that develop or build on the existing theoretical repertoire of International Relations (or closely related disciplines), offer a clear argument and contribute to academic debates.
Articles that lie between the two aforementioned types of papers are also welcomed. In any case, thematic section contributions should be of a scholarly character.
For more information, see our general submission guidelines and thematic section guidelines.
* * *
Timeline
- Deadline for abstracts (about 200 words): 31 January 2025
- Abstract selection (acceptance emails): 20 February 2025
- Manuscript submission deadline: 30 June 2025
- Review process and paper revisions: July-October 2025
- Print publication: mid-December 2025
* * *
In order to submit your abstract or get more information, please contact Dr Ales Karmazin (CEJISS Editor in Chief) at <karmazin@cejiss.org>. Please use the following email subject: thematic section – populists in international organisations.